French Revolution & Napoleon Flashcards
Who paid the taxes under the Old Regime? (Which Estate?)
The third estate paid the taxes (the poor commoners and servants)
What was the most serious economic problem facing the French government in the 1700’s?
- The population had increased a lot and France had a poor crop harvest. - France was also in serious debt to the bankers because they had borrowed too much money for wars and the building of the palace of Versailles
Why did Louis XVI call the Estates General?
Frances political and financial situation were bad so he needed help
After the Estates General met, why did the Third Estate want the three estates to meet together?
The third estate wanted them each to have a vote so the voting wasn’t skewed
Why was the fall of the Bastille important?
It marked the beginning of the French revolution
What did the constitution of 1791 written by the National Convention state?
Made France a limited monarchy and established a system of separated power:
- the power (the exclusive), legislative (laws), judicial (enforcement) . Also 83 regions and locally elected officials.
What was/were the results of the war with Austria and Prussia (1792) for France?
Louis XVI was convicted of …
Treason. Acts of disloyal to his country.
What was the purpose of the Reign of Terror?
To creat a “republic of virtue”, weed out traitors, make a public example by sentencing thousands to the guillotine.
Before Napoleon was named to the Directory, why were people dissatisfied with the Directory?
How did Napoleon gain power in 1799?
Napoleon saw that the people were not happy with the directory(government) so he overthrew it. He was named first Consul.
Why was the Napoleonic Code important?
-it recognized that all men were equal before the law
- guaranteed freedom of religion
- allowed a person the right to work any job
- it put the interest of the state above the individual citizens
-it dropped laws that protected the rights of women and children
-it made the man absolute head of the household (this helped people see Napoleon as absolute head of the country)
Which country was consistently a problem for France?
The British and France consistently didn’t get along.
What reforms/ideas were spread by Napoleon across Europe?
What was the National Assembly?
When the 3 estates joined together to decide as one. However there where still divisions.
Explain what the Palace at Versailles was. What was it a symbol of?
Explain what the Tennis Coat Oath was?
Delegates of the third estate gathered together at a tennis court to promise that they would not disband until a constitution was written.
What was the importance of this to the Revolution in France
What was the Reign of Terror? Who was involved in it? What was the main purpose of it?
Explain the importance of The Directory
It was a 5 person government that was supposed to be able to not be corrupted. Napoleon overthrew it because he wanted to be the first Consul
How was the Continental System of importance during the French Revolution?
It was when Napoleon tried cutting off trade with the British. This showed him how important the British were to Frances Economy
What was the importance of The Old Regime
It abolished the feudal system of the French nobility and monarchy
What were Three Estates, who was included in each of the groups?
First Estate: clergy
- collected taxes anf indulgences to get the church money.
- owned a lot of land
- didn’t suffer
Second Estate: Nobles
- less than 2% of population
- didn’t pay most taxes
- had high paying positions like government officials
Third Estate: Commoners
- majority of the population
- Bourgeoisie where the wealthy of the poor
- they worked the fields and for the king
